PETITE AND SOFTSPOKEN, winemaker Evelyne de Pontbriand seems unassuming, but she is a mighty voice behind the modest appellation of Savennières, a 156-hectare AOC in the Loire Valley. Like so many European estates, hers has a historical quirk: It once belonged to the Marquis de Las Cases, a descendent of Napolean’s official biographer. Originally known as Château des Vaults, it has produced wine since 1495. de Pontbriand is the third generation of women to run the estate. Full story in the September issue of Sommelier News [PDF here].